Hardik Pandya Surpasses Virat Kohli to Become India’s Second Most-Capped T20I Player

New Delhi: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya achieved a significant milestone during India’s seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20 International at Raipur. By featuring in his 126th T20I, Hardik moved past Virat Kohli to become the second-most capped player for India in the shortest format of the game.

Although fans did not get to witness Hardik’s trademark power-hitting in the match, his presence on the field was historic. As soon as he stepped out to field, Hardik overtook Kohli, who had played 125 T20Is for India before retiring from the format. With this, only Rohit Sharma now stands ahead of Hardik in terms of T20I appearances for India. On the global stage, Hardik’s tally places him joint 13th among players with the most T20I matches.

Rohit Sharma: India and World No. 1

Former India captain and T20 World Cup–winning leader Rohit Sharma remains at the top of the list, not just for India but worldwide. Before retiring from T20 internationals in 2024, Rohit featured in a record 159 matches, the most by any player in the format. He amassed 4,231 runs at an average of 32.05, including five centuries. Globally, Ireland’s Paul Stirling follows him with 157 appearances.

Hardik Pandya Now India’s No. 2

With 126 T20Is to his name, Hardik Pandya has firmly established himself as one of India’s most enduring players in the format. In these matches, he has scored 2,027 runs at an average of 28.54 and has also been a valuable contributor with the ball, claiming 102 wickets at an average of 26.85—underlining his importance as a genuine all-rounder.

Virat Kohli Slips to Third

Virat Kohli now occupies third place on the list of most T20I matches for India. Kohli retired from the format after winning the T20 World Cup alongside Rohit Sharma. In his illustrious T20I career, Kohli played 125 matches and scored 4,188 runs at an outstanding average of 48.69, including one century.

Suryakumar Yadav Enters the 100-Plus Club

India’s current T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is the latest entrant into the elite list of players with over 100 T20I appearances for India. He recently completed 101 matches and has scored 2,902 runs at an average of 36.27. Known for his explosive batting, Suryakumar has smashed 160 sixes and four centuries, ranking second only to Rohit Sharma among Indian players in terms of T20I hundreds.

MS Dhoni Completes the Top Five

Former India captain MS Dhoni occupies fifth place on the list. The leader who guided India to their first T20 World Cup triumph played 98 T20Is, scoring 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60. As a wicketkeeper, Dhoni was equally impressive, effecting 57 catches and 34 stumpings.

With Hardik Pandya climbing to second place, the list reflects not only longevity but also the evolution of India’s T20 legacy—one defined by match-winners across generations.